Great Lakes bulk volumes on slow decline

Friday, July 12, 2013

U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters carried 10.1 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in June, a virtual repeat of the preceding month, and an increase of 2.3 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, the Lake Carriers' Association said. The June float was down 2.9 percent from the month’s long-term average.
U.S.-flag lakers moved 4.6 million tons of iron ore in June, 76.1 percent of all ore moving on the Lakes/Seaway that month. The 4.6 million tons represent a 2-percent decrease compared to a year ago, and a drop of 2.6 percent compared to the month’s long-term average.
Coal shipments in U.S. hulls totaled 2 million tons, an increase of 18 percent compared to a year ago, but a decrease of 12 percent compared to the month’s long-term average.
The 3 million tons of limestone hauled by U.S.-flag lakers in June represent 82.1 percent of the trade month and a repeat of a year ago.
Through June, the U.S.-flag float stands at 32.7 million tons, a decrease of 4.6 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore cargos are down by 6 percent. Coal loadings trail last year by 4.5 percent. Shipments of limestone are 1.6 percent off last year’s pace.
Great Lakes cargo traffic is being hampered by low rainfall totals and dredging neglect that has forced lakers to carry less than their full capacity. - Eric Kulish